JAYHAWK REBOUNDS

 

 

April 7, 1944

Noe 8

Dear Fellow Jayhawkers:

On March 30th at 9:30 peme over Station KFKU I dedicated my broadcast
to our men on the fighting fronts overseas. I am quoting that brm dcast
as a part of my letter to youe

"Someone has said, 'Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to
die. This statement brings a graphic picture of the activities of Maj.
Fenlon A. Durand, U. S. Marine Corps (H-S Co. 2nd Amph. Tr. Bn., 2nd Mar.
Dive, c/o Fleet Posteffice, San Francisco) a K man in varsity basle tball
and track, whose home is in Junction City, Kansas. Major Fen was awarded
the Silver Star medal for gellantry and intrepidity in action against the
enemy in battle fighting at Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. The awerd was
presented him by Admiral Nimitz at an undisclosed point in the Pacific on
Mareh first. The citation accompanying the award stated: 'For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces in
Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 20, 1943, while serving with the Second
Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Second Marine Division. While leading his
company of amphibian tractors during the initial assault-on this island,
Major Durand's command tractor was unmobilized and set afird one hundred
yards from the beach by enemy shell fire. Taking command of the infantry
troops in his tractors, he caused them to abandon the the tractor and
disperse in the shallow water shortly before two more enemy shells com-
pletely demolished the tractor. In the water he found his crew chief who
had been blewn out of the tractor and was suffering from numerous shrapnel
wounds and the loss of both legs. Although subjected to concentrated enemy
sniper and machine gun fire, Major Durand improvised tourniquets and rendered
first aid to his crew chief. Then, with utter disregard for his own personal
safety, he supported the wounded marine in the water and swam with him for
more than an hour in an effort to save his crew chief's life. His gallant
courage and heroie conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the United States Marine Corps.'

"A miraculous incident happened during this timee While towing his
chief, a shell struck the raft, canpletely obliterating from sight the chief
and the raft, yet Fen Durand excaped uninjured.

"On our home front, blood plasma is the most precious contribution that
we can make to our fighting men. In the closing days of the Red Cwss War
Fund drive it is fitting that we should call to the attention of or friends
that we cannot give too much to our men who are fighting and bleeding on the
many fronts. Our blood - a pint scientifically drawn while we comrtably
lie on a nurse's cot = costs us little. Afterwards we are even served
bouillon, pineapple ice and wafers, and we are led by a nurse's aié from the
cot to:a comfortable resting place to recuperate. Our boys at the battle
fronts, whose bleed is savagely spilt, costs them much, or perhaps all.

"Cassino, Anzio, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa -- all of these and

Tle